* “Stories of HOPE” feature real clients and their stories, however, we use a stand-in name and image to protect their privacy *
“Dorothy,” one of our long-standing elderly food pantry clients, arrived one day at HOPE in crisis. She was distressed about not having gas or reliable transportation to make it to our food pantry. Dorothy spoke to our social worker, Patricia, and shared about her chronic medical conditions, how she was struggling financially, and how she wanted to resume mental health services which had been discontinued. Patricia created a personalized case plan that targeted Dorothy’s areas of need. It helped that Patricia had an existing rapport with her as a food pantry client and they often spoke about how Dorothy could navigate life as she was getting older.
Patricia also thought she was an ideal candidate for our HENS Program (HOPE’s Emergency Network Service). HENS provides food to homebound clients or those with disabilities. We offer food, hygiene and case management services that connect them to other resources. HENS also provides the option of cooking their own meals which many clients enjoy.
Patricia shared about our HENS program and how she no longer needed to worry about coming to the food pantry when medically ill or paying for unreliable transportation. Dorothy gladly accepted to have food delivered to her on a weekly basis and hygiene monthly. Patricia helped Dorothy make a list of foods that were low sodium and sugar free. They were also able to get Dorothy appointments to her primary care physician for a follow up on her conditions. We coordinated medical appointments with a home health aide who assisted with doctors visits. Our case managers also helped Dorothy resume mental health counseling. Lastly, we partnered with an agency to get her home furniture that would alleviate some pain from her medical conditions.
In a past visit, Dorothy shared that she was so grateful for the services HOPE provided to enhance her food security, and elevate her mental and physical health. Her smile let everyone know she was in a much better place with the HENS Program.
